A summary of point of attachment and termination of insurance under Open Policies based on terms of sale.

 

TermSellerBuyerAttachmentTermination
EXW XPlace of originPlace of destination
FCA XNamed point: Country of shipmentPlace of destination
FOB XOnboard vessel port of shipmentPlace of destination
FAS XAlongside vessel port of shipmentPlace of destination
CFR XOnboard vessel port of shipmentPlace of destination
CIFX Place of originNamed place of destination, or port of destination
CPT XNamed point/place: Country of shipmentNamed point of destination
CIPX Place of originNamed point/place of destination
DAF  Not automaticNot automatic
DESX Place of originOnboard vessel port of destination
DEQX Place of originOn quay port of destination
DDUX Place of originNamed point/place of destination
DDPX Place of originNamed point/place of destination

 

Note:

 

  • Under CIF and CIP terms, the seller must provide insurance for the account of the buyer regardless of where his responsibility for loss or damage ceases.
  • Under terms which stipulate a named place, the invoice or other sale document must clearly state where that place is.

Loss or damage which occurs during transit prior to attachment of insurance under an Open Policy or subsequent to termination of the insurance would be for the account of the other party, not the Open Policy assured. Non-payment of the purchase price by the buyer in these instances, while rare, leaves the assured without recourse against their Open Policy. Additionally, the buyer who has paid for the merchandise prior to receiving it may encounter difficulties obtaining either replacement merchandise or refunds of their purchase price, again without recourse against their Open Policy. Chubb's Open Policy, however, provides automatic "contingent" insurance for its assureds in these situation, unlike most other cargo insurance policies; provided the shipment has been insured under its policy for the overseas shipment.